The Unknown Studio

Some of our readers will know that I work for an advertising agency here in Edmonton. It’s called Calder Bateman. We work with a wide variety of clients from retail, to hospitality, to not-for-profit, to government.

I’m posting off-topic today because of a new campaign we’re working on.

Most recently, we’ve undertaken a campaign for seatbelt safety for the whole province of Alberta. Currently, 93% of Albertans use their seatbelts. But there’s still an alarming 7% who don’t. Our goal is reach this 7% and change their minds about seatbelt safety.

But we’re trying to do this a little differently. Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 9% [?]

It’s been a busy week! And let’s be frank, it’s because the election is drawing near, and just like with Christmas or Halloween, there’s plenty to do.

There’s a part of me that loves election time. The drama, the debate, the politics – it’s exciting to watch. The thing is, there’s also a part of me that loathes it… for pretty much the exact same reasons.

The reason for this is fairly simple: I hate the lack of respect in politics.

I’m not going to go on a “good-old-days” rant here, because I’m confident that this isn’t necessarily a new development. But it is constantly dismaying to watch, and it makes me tired, depressed and more than a little cynical about the whole political process.

Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 16% [?]

As we approach election day, city government is on everyone’s mind. Or, at least, it’s on The Unknown Studio’s mind. And yes, The Unknown Studio has a mind, formed by a gestalt of Adam and myself. It’s pretty awesome.

But that’s a topic for a different day.

Today, we’re talking about city council. As October 18th looms closer, there’s been a lot of coverage on the various contenders for mayor and city council. And… it’s an interesting and diverse group, to say the least. But, the question remains – who would make the perfect city council?

I’ve done the research, looked at the portfolios, and listened to the word of mouth. And I can definitively say that I have calculated what would be the perfect city council, and I’m going to run them down for you.

Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 17% [?]

This is the time of year when newspapers, TV stations, blogs, and essentially any other broadcast outlet will produce their Top # List of the Best/Worst/Weirdest Movie/Album/Events/News stories/Stuff of the Decade. And while this is a somewhat cliché tradition, it’s still a valid one, since human beings are genetically wired to really enjoy a good list. Here, then, is a sort of list of lists: a list of the best year- or decade-in-review lists we’ve come across. Enjoy the reading, and Happy New Year! See you in 2010! Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 17% [?]

Ah, the Leaky Deathship – or as it is more commonly referred to, The Gateway.

Both Adam and I are former contributors to the University of Alberta’s very own student newspaper; I was an avid contributor and delivered papers around campus for a year, Adam had the slightly less respected position of Editor-in-Chief. Now, many of you are probably aware of our past with this institution, but you may not be aware that many of our guests are also former Gatewayers. Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 32% [?]

I’m sure many Edmontonians heard and were disgusted by the vicious, unprovoked attack on a City bus driver this week. According to passenger accounts, someone boarded the bus, got miffed that the driver wouldn’t allow him to ride unless he paid, and even when passengers fronted this guy the change to ride, he started punching the driver, dragging him off the bus and mercilessly beating him. Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 40% [?]